Tag Archives: meditation

Feb7

Meditation

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I’ve recently started a meditation practice.

It’s hard!

Sometimes the time flies, other times it draaaaags on.

I use the Simply Being app on my iPhone for guidance.

After reading this article from the New York Times, I realized I need to take a time out each day for myself.

Technology and social media are amazing inventions. But, what are their costs?

How many times do you wake up in the morning and immediately check your email or Facebook…or, for guys, ESPN.com?!

What a racket! All that junk separates you from yourself, it takes your mind immediately from the peaceful sleep you’ve had to the external world, where the ego is king.

I’ve started a simple morning routine that I think will help me stay grounded and bolster my creativity and clarity throughout the day.

Upon waking, I do some basic grooming, wipe the sleep from my eyes, do a few gentle yoga stretches, meditate (just for 5 minutes at this point) and journal. The whole process takes maybe 20-30 minutes. And, I feel so accomplished!

Do you practice meditation?
What’s your morning routine?
Ever taken a technology vacation?  

Jan2

That’s so 2011

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I meant to share this before the New Year, but alas I’m a bit late…

In my classes last week, I tried to stress the idea of not only focusing on adding things to your life in the New Year. We tend to bombard ourselves with to-dos and goals each January, and I encouraged my students to approach this new start in a different way.

Instead of striving to do more, think about what you can leave behind. What can you do less of?

This notion can be applied to a yoga practice or real life.

In life and yoga, I know I can do without the complaining. What do I have to complain about, really?! Nothing…that’s what!

So, what are you going to leave in 2011?

Oct18

Full Moon Meditation

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Last Tuesday was a full moon. My friend Lisa and I joined 10 others at Pura Yoga to celebrate with a full moon meditation. The Kundalini meditation was led by Phoenix, a wonderful teacher. We sat in a circle, holding hands and repeated a simple chant, going around the circle taking turns with call and response.

I was nervous at first to sing the chant on my own. After the first round though, it was no biggie. It felt great to just let my voice out and hear everyone else join my in the prayer. The time flew by and I was able to totally withdraw from the external into a place of concentration, centererness (that’s a word…I swear…) and love.

After the meditation, we sat around a bit chatting, enjoying yoga tea (I die for that stuff) and treats! I couldn’t keep the smile off my face as I walked back to my car to head home. There’s just something about sharing an experience like meditation with others that creates such a powerful, lasting energy in me. I love it!

What are your thoughts on chanting? Have you tried it? Are you scared of it?

How do you practice meditation?